RICHMOND, Va. (WFXR) — A new executive order signed by Governor Glenn Youngkin on October 21 is set to prepare the Commonwealth as the state heads into the 2024 wildfire season.

Executive Order 40 is an executive order that will enhance Virginia’s wildfire preparedness and response capabilities, and advance agency coordination, incident command operations, and communication for future wildfires.

“We are at our best when everyone – agencies, elected officials, and citizens – collaborate across all levels of government and community to protect our natural resources and ensure the safety of all Virginians,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “Through this Executive Order, we are proactively enhancing our wildfire coordination and emergency preparedness to mitigate risks to Virginians, wildlife, and businesses in communities across the Commonwealth.” 

The Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) is the lead agency for wildfires in the state for operations and accountability. They have already been busy getting ready for the season and have set up resources across the region to quickly respond in an emergency. But DOF officials say, using extra caution and avoiding bad judgment is key to preventing an accidental blaze. 

“Firefighters from the Virginia Department of Forestry work closely with local firefighters and state and federal agencies to protect our communities, and deserve our strongest support,” said Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matthew Lohr. “Every day – not just in the fall and spring when fire activity is highest – these brave first responders protect our forests, wildlife, property, and people in the communities where we live.” 

In November 2023, the Matts Creek fire burned more than 11,000 acres and was on national forest land handled by the Department of Forestry. Commonwealth representatives said they are “committed to protecting citizens, natural resources, and property from the threats of wildfire.”

“We appreciate the Governor’s support of our work suppressing wildfires in the Commonwealth,” said State Forester Rob Farrell. “DOF regularly partners with local, state, and federal agency cooperators to help ensure all of Virginia’s forests are protected. This Executive Order will further develop our close interagency coordination efforts to ensure quick and efficient wildfire management and protection of Virginia’s people and property.” 

Since October 2023, the DOF and local fire departments have worked together to suppress 608 wildfires which have burned 45,704 acres across Virginia. This increased activity has emphasized the urgency for better coordination and communication between state agencies.

Wildfire Incident Management:  

  • DOF will ensure all agencies understand their specific roles during wildfire emergencies, promoting coordinated action.  
  • Stress that all resource requests must go through Unified Incident Command, enhancing accountability and efficiency in resource management.  
  • Swift and effective initial attack of wildfires is important, but there is a need to balance the protection of lives and property while ensuring firefighter/responder safety during wildfire incidents. 

MOU Development:  

  • DOF and the Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) will enter a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen collaboration and resource coordination during wildfire incidents.  
  • VDFP will support DOF wildfire management with regional staff to improve informational sharing with local emergency operations centers. 

Establish a Wildfire Annex to COVEOP: 

Enhanced Wildfire Communications:  

  • All state agencies are directed to work closely with DOF during wildfire incidents, ensuring that information flows efficiently and effectively.  
  • DOF will implement regular updates and simplified reporting methods to keep the public and officials informed about wildfire status and safety measures.  
  • Encourage citizens to stay informed and prepared.